Beverage cup comprising a lid

Abstract

A beverage cup, including a lid (1) fitted with a suction hole (2), where the lid (1) also includes an opening (3) and a closing element (4), which is movable between a closing position to close the opening (3) and an opening position, in which the opening (3) is at least partially uncovered.

Description

BEVERAGE CUP COMPRISING A LIDClaim to Priority

[0001] This application claims priority to Spanish Utility Model U202430577, filed on March 22, 2024.Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a beverage cup, specially designed to prevent the introduction of unauthorized substances into it.Background to the invention

[0003] In environments such as nightclubs, concerts, and similar events, the safety and integrity of the beverages consumed by customers are of paramount importance. However, over the years, a persistent problem has been observed related to the placement of unauthorized substances in customers' beverages, which can result in dangerous situations and even put consumers' health at risk.

[0004] This problem has led to the need to develop effective solutions to prevent unwanted handling of beverages.

[0005] Current solutions, such as covering drinks with napkins or the like over the openings of glasses, are insufficient and often ineffective. It has been observed that these measures do not provide adequate protection and can be easily manipulated or circumvented, endangering the safety of consumers.

[0006] Therefore, there is a clear need in the leisure industry for a beverage cup specifically designed with safety features that prevent the placement of unauthorized products inside.Description of the invention

[0007] Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a beverage cup specially designed to be used in leisure and entertainment environments, provided with a lid that prevents the introduction of unwanted substances inside.

[0008] The beverage cup with lid according to the present invention offers a solution effective and practical to protect the integrity of beverages consumed in leisure and entertainment environments.

[0009] With the glass for drinks of the invention, the aforementioned inconveniencesare solved, presenting other advantages that will be described below.

[0010] The beverage cup in accordance with the present invention is described in claim 1 , and the dependent claims include additional features that are optional.

[0011] In particular, the beverage cup comprises a lid fitted with a suction hole, an opening and a closing element, which can be moved between a closing position for closing that opening and an opening position, in which the opening is at least partially uncovered.

[0012] According to a preferred design, the locking element is rotatable with respect to a central point of that lid, although it could be moved in another way, for example, in a linear manner.

[0013] Preferably, the opening is shaped like a curved groove and the suction hole is shaped like a straight groove.

[0014] In addition, the lid is preferably attached to the rest of the glass by means of a joint, which prevents the complete separation of the lid from the rest of the glass, preventing it from being lost.

[0015] The beverage cup according to the present invention may also comprise at least one side ring, in particular, two rings arranged on opposite sides of the vessel. For example, these rings can be used to hang the glass according to the present invention.

[0016] Advantageously, the beverage cup according to the present invention may also comprise a compartment, preferably located at one end opposite the lid, which allows the placement of any object of reduced dimensions. It should be noted, however, that the compartment could be located anywhere in the glass, e.g. on the lid.

[0017] In addition, the lid also preferably comprises a cavity to facilitate the use of the glass when drinking, which is located next to the suction hole.Brief description of the drawings

[0018] To better understand what has been exposed, some drawings are attached in which, schematically and only as a non-limiting example, a practical case is represented of realization.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the beverage cup of the present invention withits lid closed;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the beverage cup of the present invention with its lid open;

[0021] Figure 3 is another perspective view of the beverage cup of the present invention with its lid open; and

[0022] Figure 4 is another perspective view of the beverage cup of the present invention with its lid open.Description of a Preferred Embodiment

[0023] Figures 1 and 2 show the beverage cup in accordance with the present invention, comprising a lid (1 ) provided with a suction hole (2) through which the beverage exits when it is desired to drink, and an opening (3) that can be used for placing the beverage inside the glass.

[0024] That opening (3) is equipped with a closing element (4) which can be moved between a closing position, where the opening (3) is closed, preventing access to the interior of the vessel, and an opening position in which the opening (3) is at least partially uncovered. According to the embodiment represented, the locking element (4) rotates with respect to a central point (5) of the lid (1 ), which makes it easier to handle.

[0025] Also according to the embodiment depicted, the opening (3) has a curved groove shape, while the suction hole (2) features a straight groove shape.

[0026] In addition, the lid (1 ) can be hingeably connected to the rest of the vessel by a joint (6), which allows for easily opening and closing the lid to access the contents of the cup or protect it from spills. The joint (6) may be on an opposite side of the flange of the lid (1 ) from a latch, clasp, or other locking mechanism, such that one side of the lid (1 ) is secured to the vessel via the joint (6) and the other side is secured via the locking mechanism. Multiple locking mechanisms can be employed around the perimeter of the lid, including, e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or more locking mechanisms.

[0027] Alternatively or in addition, the lid (1 ) may include a flange configured to mate with a rim on an upper edge of the vessel. The flange may be contoured so as to engage with a lip on the rim to hold the lid (1 ) in place on the top of the vessel, therebysecuring the lid (1 ) in place.

[0028] The lid (1 ) may include a gasket or other sealing mechanism disposed on a lower edge of the lid (1 ) so as to engage with an upper edge of the vessel wall. As such, when secured to the top of the vessel, the gasket may be disposed between the lid (1 ) and the vessel so as to seal against leaks from the vessel. The gasket can be formed from a suitable material for sealing against liquid, such as rubber, silicone, or other flexible and / or watertight material or any combination thereof.

[0029] The lid (1) may be formed from any suitable material. Examples, without limitation, include plastic, polypropylene, polystyrene, aluminum, steel, glass, ceramic, or other plastic, metal or any composite or any combination thereof.

[0030] In addition, the vessel comprises at least one side ring (7), two rings (7) according to the embodiment represented, arranged on opposite sides of the vessel to facilitate its transport and handling.

[0031] An additional feature of this preferred embodiment is the inclusion of a compartment (8), located at one end opposite the lid (1 ), which provides additional space for storing objects.

[0032] In addition, the lid (1 ) comprises a cavity (9) located next to the suction hole (2), which makes it more comfortable to use the glass when drinking.

[0033] The suction hole (2) may be of a size and shape to facilitate drinking from the vessel when the lid (1 ) is secured in place to the top of the vessel. Accordingly, the suction hole (2) may have a circular, ovular, rectangular, square, trapezoidal or other shape, having a length and width across the top of the lid (1). The length and width of the suction hole (2) may be selected to be smaller than a pharmaceutical pill so as to prevent unwanted substances from being inserted through the suction hole (2) will still providing sufficient flow of liquid to allow for drinking from the vessel. Examples of the length of the suction hole (2) can include, without limitation, 3 millimeters (mm), 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm or more. Examples of the width of the suction hole (2) can include, without limitation, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or more. In some embodiments, either the length or width may be selected so as to prevent insertion of the pharmaceutical pill.

[0034] Similarly, the opening (3) may be of a size and shape to facilitate drinking fromthe vessel when the lid (1) is secured in place to the top of the vessel. Accordingly, the opening (3) may have a circular, ovular, rectangular, square, trapezoidal or other shape, having a length and width across the top of the lid (1). The length and width of the opening (3) may be selected to be smaller than a pharmaceutical pill so as to prevent unwanted substances from being inserted through the opening (3). Examples of the length of the opening (3) can include, without limitation, 3 millimeters (mm), 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, 31 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm or more. Examples of the width of the opening (3) can include, without limitation, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm or more. In some embodiments, either the length or width may be selected so as to prevent insertion of the pharmaceutical pill while allowing for a liquid to be poured through the opening (3) and for sufficient air flow when a person drinks through the suction hole (2).

[0035] In some embodiments, the size of the opening (3) may be relatively larger than the suction hole (2). Indeed, the opening (3) may be sized to allow for a person using the vessel to pour a liquid into the vessel via the opening (3) while the lid (1 ) is secured to the top of the vessel. Thus, the opening (3) may not be constrained by the size of a pharmaceutical pill. Rather, the closing element (4) may be employed to prevent unwanted tampering with the vessel and the contents thereof by blocking the opening (3) when in a closed position. Thus, the opening (3) can be of any suitable size to allow for pouring of a liquid through and / or for ensuring air flow when a person drinks from the suction hole (2). Indeed, the opening (3) may have an arc shape of a radius equal to or less than that of the perimeter of the top of lid (1 ). The arc of the opening (3) may be positioned proximal to the perimeter of the top relative to the central point (5), and may span a portion of the perimeter of the top of the lid (1 ), the portion being less than half of the perimeter of the top of the lid (1 ), less than a third, less than a quarter, less than an eighth, or other suitable size.

[0036] The suction hole (2) and / or the opening (3) may include a component to prevent the insertion of solids into the vessel when the lid (1 ) is secured to the top thereof. The component can include any liquid permeable, but solid impermeable component. Examples, without limitation, include a flexible or rigid one way valve, a flexible or rigidtwo way valve, a mesh, netting, a grid, a screen, a flap (e.g., a spring-loaded or elastic flap that is biased to a shut position and opening in response to a force of the liquid passing through), or other component or any combination thereof.

[0037] As detailed above, the lid (1 ) includes a closing element (4) that is moveably attached to the lid (1 ) such that the closing element (4) shift to cover and uncover the opening (3). Figure 1 depicts the lid (1 ) with the closing element (4) in a view of the top of the lid (1). Figures 3 and 4 depict the lid (1) with the closing element (4) in a view of the bottom of the lid (1 ).

[0038] As depicted in Figures 3 and 4, the closing element (4) includes T-shaped structure defined by a member attached to the lid (1 ) from an underside there via a fastener at the central point (5). The fastener may include any attachment mechanism that is attached to or integrally formed with the member of the closing element (4), such as a screw, nail, rivet, nut and bolt, a retention member, among others or any combination thereof. The fastener may be a portion of the member designed to be inserted through the central point (5), where an end of the portion opposite to the member is larger than an opening of the central point (5) such that the portion is nonremovable and thus attached the member to the lid (1 ).

[0039] The attachment mechanism can be configured to allow the closing element (4) to rotate with respect to the lid (1). As such, a first end of the closing element (4) proximal to the opening (3) can be shift via rotation of the closing element (4) about the central point (5) to block or unblock the opening (3), thereby opening and closing the opening (3) of the lid (1 ).

[0040] Similarly, the member of closing element (4) can have a second end to the end proximal to the opening (3) on an opposite side of the central point (5). The second end of the member can extend to the suction hole (2). Thus, as the closing element (4) is rotated about the central point (5), the opposite end can shift to block and unblock the suction hole (2). Thus, by rotating the closing element (4), both the suction hole (2) and the opening (3) can be selectively blocked and unblocked. As such, a holder of the vessel can control when to opening the suction hole (2) and the opening (3), e.g., to drink from the vessel and / or fill the vessel, and when to close the suction hole (2) and the opening (3), and thereby prevent unwanted tampering when the vessel is not in use.

[0041] One or both of the first end and the second end of the closing element (4) can be shaped to have dimensions, including length and width, that matches or exceeds that of the opening (3) and / or the suction hole (2), respectively, so as to ensure the opening (3) and / or the suction hole (2) are fully blocked by the closing element (4) when the closing element (4) is in a closed position. Further, to prevent spilling and leaking, the first end and / or the second end can include a gasket or other sealing component to provide a watertight barrier around the perimeter of the opening (3) and / or the suction hole (2), respectively. The sealing component can be formed from a suitable material for sealing against liquid, such as rubber, silicone, or other flexible and / or watertight material or any combination thereof.

[0042] As depicted in Figure 1 , the closing element (4) can include an exterior portion that is on a top of the lid (1 ) exterior to the vessel. The exterior portion can be integrally formed, attached or otherwise connected to the first end of the closing element (4) through a connecting component through the opening (3). Indeed, an arc shape of the opening (3) may further facilitate the movement of the exterior portion and the interior portion of the closing element (4) as the closing element (4) rotates about the central point (5). Thus, the arc shape of the opening (3) may have a curvature defined by a radius from the central point (5) to the connecting component between the exterior and interior portions.

[0043] Similar to the first end, the exterior portion can be shaped to have dimensions, including length and width, that matches or exceeds that of the opening (3) such that when in a closed position, the closing element (4) blocks the opening (3) from both the top and the bottom of the lid (1 ) (e.g., exterior to and interior to the vessel when the lid (1 ) is in a closed position over the vessel). The exterior portion may also or instead be shaped with a contour that matched the lid (1 ) such that the exterior portion conforms to a top surface of the lid (1 ) and the flange of the lid (1 ) as shown in Figure 1 .

[0044] Moreover, the combination of the exterior portion and the interior portion provides added stability and durability to the closing element (4) with reinforces the closing element (4) using support from both the top and the bottom of the lid (1 ). Thus, the closing element (4) can be made more reliable resistant to deformation when engaging and disengaging a locking mechanism. Further, the exterior portion provides a piece of the closing element (4) that is exterior to the vessel, thus allowing for a person to actuate the closing element (4) from outside of the vessel. Indeed, byforming the exterior portion to fit around the edge and the flange of the lid (1 ), a person holding the vessel can use a finger to actuate the closing element (4) via the exterior portion with the same hand being used to hold the vessel. Additionally, the dual-sided closure improves control of the beverage flow. Indeed, the dual-sided closure allowed for the optimal flow rate through the suction hole (2), ensuring an ideal drinking experience, particularly for beer, soft drinks, or cocktails.

[0045] While in some embodiments the closing element (4) can be disposed exterior to the vessel, e.g., on a top of the lid (1 ) instead of on an underside of the lid (1 ) interior to the vessel, by positioning the closing element (4) under the lid (1 ) and providing an exterior portion connected to the closing element (4) via the opening (3), the closing element (4) can be protected from damage and from an unwanted person impermissibly opening the suction hole (2) and the opening (2) by minimizing the amount of the closing element (4) that is accessible from outside of the vessel.

[0046] The closing element (4) can include the locking mechanism to hold the closing element (4) in a closed and / or opened position. The locking mechanism can include a detect, stop, latch, spring, or other mechanism that engages between the member, the exterior portion, the interior portion or any combination thereof of the closing element (4) and the lid (1 ). The locking mechanism can be positioned, for example, between the first end of the closing element (4) and an interior of the flange of the lid (1 ), between the first end of the closing element (4) and an interior bottom surface of the lid (1), between the exterior portion of the closing element (4) and an exterior of the flange of the lid (1 ), between the exterior portion of the closing element (4) and an exterior top surface of the lid (1 ), or in any other position to engage the locking mechanism between the closing element (4) and the lid (1 ) or any combination thereof. For example, the locking mechanism can be a click stop defined by detents in the closing element (4) and in a position on the lid (1 ) that, when the click stop is engaged between the closing element (4) and the lid (1 ), maintains the closing element (4) in a closed position.

[0047] Despite the fact that reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the beverage cup described is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned can be replaced by others technically equivalent, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the demands attached.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. Beverage cup, comprising a lid (1) fitted with a suction hole (2), wherein the lid (1) also comprises an opening (3) and a closing element (4), which is movable between a closing position to close that opening (3) and an opening position, in which the opening (3) is at least partially uncovered.

2. A beverage cup according to claim 1 , wherein the closing element (4) is rotating with respect to a central point (5) of that lid (1).

3. Beverage cup according to claim 1 , in which the opening (3) is in the form of a curved groove.

4. Beverage cup according to claim 1 , in which the suction hole (2) is shaped straight groove.

5. A beverage cup according to claim 1 , wherein the lid (1) is attached to the rest of the glass by a joint (6).

6. A beverage cup according to any of the above claims, which also includes at least one side ring (7).

7. Beverage cup according to claim 6, comprising two rings (7) arranged on opposite sides of the glass.

8. A beverage cup according to any of the above claims, which also includes a compartment (8).

9. Beverage cup according to claim 8, in which compartment (8) is located at oneend opposite the lid (1).

10. Beverage cup according to claim 1 , in which the lid (1) also comprises a cavity (9).

11. Beverage cup according to claim 10, in which the cavity (9) is located next to the suction hole (2).

12. A product comprising: a lid for a vessel, the lid comprising: a central point; a suction hole proximal to a perimeter of the lid; an opening proximal to the perimeter of the lid on an opposite of the lid as the suction hole relative to the central point; and a closing element secured to the lid at the central point, wherein the closing element comprises: a member disposed on an underside of the lid, the member comprising a first end extending to the opening, a second end extending to the suction hole, and an attachment mechanism configured to rotatably attach the member to the lid at the central point; wherein the attachment mechanism allows for the member to rotate with respect to the lid between an opened position and a closed position, the closed position being defined by the first end blocking the opening and the second end blocking the suction hole.

13. The produce of claim 12, wherein the closing element further comprises a dualsided closure comprising:an exterior portion connected to the first end via a connecting component through the opening; and an interior portion connected to the first end on the underside of the lid, wherein the exterior portion and the interior portion block the opening from a top of the lid and the underside of the lid.

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